Harley Rouda is one of two Democratic challengers to GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher that the NewDemPAC is adding to its candidate watch list. (Thomas McKinless/CQ Roll Call File Photo).

The political arm of the moderate New Democrat Coalition is adding 12 House challengers to its list of candidates to watch in 2018.

NewDemPAC’s recognition comes with a $1,000 contribution this quarter and guidance about messaging and strategy. The watch list is a way for the group to get involved in races earlier than it previously has. Last cycle, the PAC contributed about $1 million to federal candidates and it expects to give out at least that much this cycle.

The Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC backed by House Republican leadership, is pouring another $10.7 million into House races as the GOP seeks to defend their hold on the lower chamber and flip several Democratic-held seats.

The additional spending brings the fund's general election expenditures this cycle to $20.7 million in 15 House districts, nearly twice what it spent in 2014 and 2012. The super PAC spent $11.6 million in 2014 and $10.7 million in 2012.

If Republican Barbara Comstock ever wonders what attacks are coming her way later this year, the Virginia congresswoman can read the entire 535-page opposition research book on her life, which Democrats posted online.

Strategists at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee did not publish the document by accident. It’s just one example of how both parties publicly share information in order to avoid illegal coordination with outside groups and running afoul of campaign finance laws.